France star Louis Picamoles has sent a warning to the rest of the RBS 6 Nations by insisting he will be a better player when the 2017 Championship kicks off in February.
The No.8 joined Northampton Saints ahead of the new season from Top 14 side Toulouse and could make his debut on the opening day of the campaign against Bath. The 30-year-old, who only made one appearance in the 2016 RBS 6 Nations due to a hamstring injury, believes he is well-suited to the English game and is looking forward to seeing what the Premiership has to offer. “Maybe it is more physical in France, but here all teams want to play a fast game, and this is good for my progression,” he said. “In France we see that the English teams are more competitive than before, and we have seen that in the Champions Cup. “So with a lot of foreign stars in the Top 14, maybe more French players will want to try this experience in England. I think the English league is growing. “It’s a big change for me and my family, but we are very much enjoying starting a new life and a new adventure.” Picamoles, who has won 54 France caps, will be pivotal to their 2017 assault – which sees them start against England at Twickenham. And the powerful forward is impressed with how English sides prepare for a campaign, suggesting he is in a better shape than ever before. “In England it is better for players. It’s the first time I have had a big pre-season to prepare for the season, and it’s very good for me and my body,” he said. “It’s a big problem in France, it is very dangerous for the players’ body and head. Maybe fewer teams in the championship and fewer matches is the solution for France.”
